The warning, from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), in Risbygate Street, came as new statistics revealed the town's county court has seen an increase in bankruptcy cases – while other towns in the region saw a decrease.

Figures released by the Ministry of Justice on Friday showed Bury saw 91 bankruptcy cases brought by people in debt in the second quarter of this year – up 60 per cent from the same period in 2007.

In the first half of 2008, 146 debtors filed bankruptcy petitions in the town – an increase of 26 per cent on the first half of 2007, while in Ipswich, the figures fell by 16 per cent and Cambridge saw a decrease of 21 per cent.

Jane Ballard, CAB manager, said the numbers of people seeking advice about bankruptcy had steadily increased in the last two years – adding the organisation was finding it difficult to cope since a Government agreement for extra debt advice funding ended.

"Normally, it slows down a bit over the summer, but this year, our queues on a Monday morning are greater, if anything," she said.

"With our additional funding for money advice finishing in June, at a time when we're seeing an increase in people seeking advice, it really is hard.

"We're applying for all sorts of funding and hopefully this will be a temporary problem. We've got some wonderful volunteers, but our money adviser has 20 years' experience and training, which you can't replace."

In the first quarter of 2008, 98 people sought advice from Bury's CAB about bankruptcy, up from 63 in the first quarter of 2006.

"Some of the advice we give is standard, which is not to wait until you can't manage but to come in earlier," Mrs Ballard said.

"We offer help with budgeting and making sure that you're paying your priorities before anything else."

More information on bankruptcy is available from www.direct.gov.uk

From September 8, Bury's CAB will no longer open on Saturday mornings, but will open instead from 4.30-6.30pm on Thursdays.

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